Zambia: Govt Denies Evacuation of Sata

State House has denied all the rumors that President Michael Sata collapsed and was evacuated to South Africa for medical attention, although Zambia Reports has confirmed that travel is planned to the United Kingdom.

Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations George Chellah told Lusaka Times that the evacuation rumour was false:

"All I can tell you is that your reports are not true. Just go and tell whoever has told you such rumors that it is not true. I have told you that it is not true so why are you asking me such questions? What confirmation do you need, go and ask your source further questions because what I have told you is that it is not true," Mr Chellah said.

Information Minister and Chief Government Spokesman Joseph Katema expressed ignorance about the reports of the evacuation and asked to know the source of the information before he cut the line.

"Who told you that? As for me I don't know anything. Go and ask the one who has told you," Dr Katema said before he hung up.

When reached for confirmation, Defence Minister Edgar Lungu asked to be called back later.

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